Imagery Update: ROK Jeju Island Naval Base

As South Korea readies to boost naval diplomacy in the region by hosting Pacific Reach 2016, new satellite imagery of the recently inaugurated Jeju island naval base was made available in Google Earth. The recent space snapshots acquired in March show several completed site improvements including new administrative and support buildings, athletic fields, roads, an extensive peninsular breakwater and a partial underground Petroleum, Oil, & Lubricants storage area. Several lengthy berthing areas are noted with the largest, located on the peninsular breakwater, measuring 685 meters. No ship repair facilities were observed at this time, which means vessels will return to the Korean mainland for any extensive maintenance. However, there appear to be sections of unutilized land for future expansion. Press reporting states that the facility is capable of docking up to 20 combat ships and two of the biggest cruise ships, larger than 150,000 tons.

Infrastructure aside, two identified vessels were visible on imagery including one Chang Bogo-class submarine, a variant of the diesel-electric Type 209/1200, and a Gumdoksuri-class (PKG) patrol vessel. The boats arrived since the facility was commissioned in February. Prior to opening, the Navy sent the Sejong Daewang (DDG-991) guided missile destroyer to test the port facilities in September. It had either departed or was out on patrol at the time of capture. Two small patrol boats and four tugs were also visible in the March imagery.